New York’s own Gypsy Punk band Gogol Bordello has made a name for themselves over years with tireless touring and a stage show unlike any other. Made up of members Eugene Hutz (Vocals/Guitar), Sergey Ryabtsev (Violin), Thomas Gobena (Bass), Pedro Erazo-Segovia (Vocals/Percussion), Elizabeth Sun (Vocals/Percussion), Oliver Charles (Drums), Michael Ward (Guitar), and Pasha Newmerzhitsky (Accordion); their career includes six studio albums, sharing the stage with the likes of Pixies and Primus, among others, a list of television appearances, and Hutz even landed himself a co-starring role beside Elija Wood for the 2005 film Everything Is Illuminated. Playing their third New York City area show while on tour, the band brought their act to Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ on Monday July 21st with support from Man Man.
Starting the night off with a bang, Man Man is an experimental band from the Philadelphia, PA area. Together now since 2003, the band’s eclectic sound is led by vocalist/pianist Honus Honus and drummer Pow Pow with the help of the multi-instrumental Shono Murphy and Brown Sugar. Opening with newer track “End Boss”, they blazed through a circus of tunes that saw Honus Honus jumping from piano to energetic frontman at the blink of an eye. Playing through upbeat catchy tunes like “Loot My Body” and “Pink Wonton”, the band had the audience’s full attention. Do not miss a chance to see this different band live in action, it is an exciting and refreshing experience.
Directly following the delightful opening was Gogol Bordello. Kicking off with “Illumination”, the band immediately projected an excitement and presence that most bands would die for. Hutz was extremely charismatic as he hopped and skipped back and forth around stage all while playing his guitar and nailing songs like “We Rise Again”. Each song made the audience’s roar louder, and grew especially with their hit “Wonderlust King” which showcased impressive violin work of Sergey. Other heart-pumping moments in a dramatic performance filled with highlights was the playing of “My Companjera”, “Immigraniada (We Comin’ Rougher)” and “Mishto!”.
Seeing Hutz and company leave everything they have on stage in such an entertaining way was truly mesmerizing. Even fourteen songs in the band was not letting up as Hutz grabbed the microphone and began to scream “Start Wearing Purple” which ignited Starland to chant every lyric back. Satisfying each band member, the set rolled on as they concluded with “Not a Crime” before rounding out with a three song encore that ended with arguably the band’s greatest hit to date “Think Locally, Fuck Globally”. Gogol Bordello live is like nothing music fans have ever seen, with character and unique instruments a part of their lineup and songs that are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.
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